At a Glance
- Austin’s New Year’s Eve event opens at 7 p.m. with food trucks, live music, a 1,500-drone show, and fireworks at midnight.
- The event includes vendors like Amy’s Ice Cream, Arepa World, and Chi’Lantro BBQ.
- Parking and road closures are in effect from 6 p.m. to 1 a.m.
- Why it matters: The free downtown celebration draws thousands and requires planning for traffic, parking, and safety.
By Gavin U. Stonebridge for News Of Austin
Austin is ringing in 2026 with a free night of entertainment downtown, featuring a drone show and fireworks as the clock strikes midnight. Thousands are expected to descend on Auditorium Shores for the city’s annual event, which starts at 7 p.m. and is covered live by CNN.
Schedule and Entertainment
The gates open at 7 p.m., followed by food trucks and vendors. Live music runs until 11:45 p.m., headlined by The Head and the Heart, with The Point, Tameca Jones, and Chaparelle also performing.
- Vendors include: Amy’s Ice Cream, Arepa World, Chi’Lantro BBQ, Garbo’s Lobster, JABS Burger & Fries, Redfin, Shawarma Point, T-Loc’s Sonora Hot Dogs, Tacobaby, and Yapa Artisan Empanadas.
- Music lineup: The Head and the Heart (headline), The Point, Tameca Jones, Chaparelle.
At 11:45 p.m., the 1,500-drone show begins, followed by a 100-pyro-drone display. Ten minutes later, at 11:55 p.m., the countdown starts and fireworks light the sky at midnight.
What to Bring
Attendees may bring blankets, chairs, baby strollers, small lunch-size coolers, and a variety of food and drinks for purchase.
- Allowed items: blankets, chairs, baby strollers, small coolers, food and drinks for purchase.
- Prohibited items: pets (except trained service dogs), outside alcohol, glass, personal fireworks, sparklers, drones, or any other fireworks.
Parking and Road Closures
Parking will be congested; no parking is allowed in the Bouldin Creek neighborhood. Public parking north of Lady Bird Lake, One Texas Center, Palmer Events Center Garage, River South Garage, City Hall Garage, Stage Garage N, and ADA-accessible spots at Palmer Events Center Garage and One Texas Center are available.
- Road closures: W. Riverside Drive (Lee Barton to S. First) from 6 p.m. Dec 31 to 1 a.m. Jan 1; S. First Street (Cesar Chavez to Riverside) from 10:30 p.m. Dec 31 to 1 a.m. Jan 1; Lady Bird Lake watercraft between the railroad trestle bridge and S. First Street from 10:30 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Getting There & Safety Tips
CapMetro offers free rides after 5 p.m., with regular bus routes and extended rail service until 2:30 a.m. Biking and the Hike and Bike trail are available, but motorized vehicles are prohibited on the trail.
- Alternative transport: Hike and bike trail (bring flashlight), biking to the park, CapMetro free rides, shared mobility and dockless devices (drop-off at southwest corner of Riverside Drive and S. First Street).
- Safety tips: stay vigilant, report suspicious activity to 911, plan for cold weather, stay with your group, charge your phone, arrange a meeting point, use the what3words app, get vaccinated, use hand sanitizer, wash hands often, and stay home if sick.
Key Takeaways
- Austin’s 2026 New Year’s Eve event starts at 7 p.m. with free entertainment and a drone show.
- A 1,500-drone display and fireworks light the sky at midnight.
- Parking, road closures, and safety tips are essential for a smooth celebration.
With the clock set to strike midnight, Austin’s downtown celebration promises a memorable night for thousands of revelers.
